December in Tuscany and Umbria is a truly enchanting time of the year when these picturesque Italian Regions transform into a winter wonderland. While the summer crowds may have dispersed, the charm and beauty of these regions remain untouched.

From festive markets and cultural celebrations to exploring historic sites and indulging in culinary delights, here are some of the must-do activities to experience the magic of Tuscany and Umbria in December.

Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like the enchanting Christmas markets that pop up across Tuscany and Umbria during December. Delight in the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine as you wander through stalls selling handcrafted gifts, local produce, and traditional delicacies. The markets in towns like Florence, Siena, Perugia, and Assisi are a treat for the senses, providing the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and find unique presents for loved ones.

December presents an opportunity to explore the historic treasures of Tuscany and Umbria without the usual crowds. Wander through the architectural marvel that is the Florence Cathedral or immerse yourself in the rich art history of the Uffizi Gallery. In Umbria, discover the impressive Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi or explore the intricate tunnels of the underground city of Orvieto.

Here is a list of  Tuscan and Umbrian cities with their main events:

Arezzo: The National antique fair on December 2 and 3

+ up to December 26th, the  big  Arezzo Christmas market and daily events for all the family: https://mercatininatalearezzo.it/

Assisi: Special celebrations for the 800 years sice the nativity scenes of Francis, 1223-2023.

For all the events and the Christmas market see: https://www.nataleassisi.it/

From this website you can download the full progran of events in assisi until New Year’s Eve.

Castel  Rigone, Perugia:  Christmas Market each week and up to December 17. From 2.00 PM to 8.00 PM. At Borgo Medievale.

Cetona and the Olive Oil Fest on December 8,9 and 10.

Chianciano, Siena : https://www.lacasadibabbonatale.it/

Chiusi, Siena: Don’t miss the 31 of December at the main piazza in Chiusi, old town. Click here for more info and daily events.

Civita di Bagnoregio an the living nativity scene on December 26, 30 and January 1, 6 and 7.

Corciano, the  he Nativity scene, 40th Anniversary, from December 8th.

Citta’ della Pieve: Christmas Markets and family events: from December 3 to January 8 https://www.cittadellapieve.org/citta-del-natale/

+ http://www.presepemonumentale.it/ (December 25 to January 6).

Cortona: From December 2 to January 7 see https://www.cortonaeventi.it/natale_di_stelle/

A must is also  to see the  National Archeological Museum: https://cortonamaec.org/it/

 Firenze: the ferris wheel (55 mt. high) at Cascine park from December 8th. + the Italian biggest ice skating rink (1.300 mq.).

Up to December 17 the Weihnachtsmarkt at Piazza santa Croce.

Gubbio and the Christmas Land https://www.gubbionatale.it/

+ December 8 TBC – THE LIGHTENING OF THE BIGGEST CHRISTMAS THREE OF THE WORLD. 6.00 PM at piazza 40 martiri – More details on social media #alberogubbio

Lake Trasimeno: See the biggest Christmas tree on the water from December 8 to 28 Luci sul Trasimeno events:

https://www.facebook.com/lucisultrasimeno/

More events at: https://trasimenoapp.com/

Montepulciano: Up to January 7 See https://nataleamontepulciano.it/

On December 8 at Ex Macelli of Montepulciano at 9.15 PM ensanble of Istituto Musica Hans Werner Henze

On December 16 the Montepulciano Toscana Gospel Festival at Chiesa del Gesu’ at 9.15 Pm

On December 17 at 5.00 Pm  Christmas carols from  Istituto Musica Hans Werner Henze and Orchestra Poliziana at Chiesa del Gesu’. 

Orvieto: Sixty events coordinated by the Municipality. The Tree of Light returns in St. Patrick’s Well, a large luminous Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo, the Magic Palaces, the nativity scenes in the Medieval Quarter, the market in Piazza della Repubblica, the Santa Claus Village in Ciconia. + Umbria Jazz Winter December 28 to January 1. https://www.umbriajazz.it/umbria-jazz-winter/

Panicale:

Pienza: 50 stalls in the historic center of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy unique gifts and taste local products. from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th December for a weekend full of events! FRIDAY 6th inauguration of the “Mater dei” exhibition at the Salomone Piccolomini palace and opening of the 3 streets of Love, Kiss and Fortune decorated in the theme! ON SATURDAY 7th the TRASIMENO GOSPEL CHOIR will perform traveling concerts around the center creating a magical Christmas atmosphere!

Experiencing the Magic of Tuscany and Umbria in December

San Gimignano: The Christmas Market on December 8, 9 and 1o at Piazza Duomo from 9.00 AM.

Siena: in the areas of Palazzo Papesse, the Santa Claus House to entertain children even with small workshops; and  the ice rink and other attractions for children and teenagers at the La Lizza Gardens, where the Christmas market for hobbyists.

Saturday 9 December 2023 4pm – Activities for children – Guided tour: Zulu time with treasure hunt – free (by reservation) – tel. and WhatsApp 334 8418736, federagitsiena@gmail.com

Sunday 10 December 2023 10 am – Christmas tree with the children of the 17 Contrade

Valiano di Montepulciano, Siena – On December 16 and 17 of December Christmas Market at the Castle, wine and food tastings, local events for kids, and live music from 3.00 Pm to 8.00 PM.